Öhlins USA Open House, Sat. May 12, WNC.

**TN2Wheeler** · 05-13-2012

Originally Posted by stlthmsta

The new 1200 was there but the demos didn't happen. You could get a good look and some questions answered. The open house was a great success if you ask me. It was a good time with LOTS to see. Many bikes and seminars, displays and custom bikes. A great trip for me. TM

Before seeing the Triumph 1200 Explorer I thought the Super Tenere and GS1200 were big. The 1200 Explorer is REALLY BIG. With apologies to Ford, they should have named it Expedition rather than Explorer.

I know I'm old and increasingly curmudgeonly but I just don't see the the point (other than marketing, of course) in bikes this large being positioned as suitable for non-paved surfaces. There are VERY few people who can safely manage a tall 600lb motorcycle in low traction conditions. And then there is the cost of repair for that simple low speed drop when you can't quite get good footing or the front end scoots over on mud or sand... ouch!

**BlueRidgeGal** · 05-13-2012

Sorry I didn't make it. With this weekend being Mother's Day, there was a lot of things going on. It's really hard to be in three or four places at the same time.

**CliffC** · 05-13-2012

Good open house indeed. Gary was running everywhere taking care of business. Got to see several ol.. um make that just MSTA buds I had not seen in a while. Most of the Balsam Lake "non event" crowd rode over and it seemed that they were having a good gathering on their mountain too.

Gary, why is it taking sooo long to contact me to tell me I won the shock?? Cliff

**Gary** · 05-14-2012

The Balsom Lodge non-event, event was a great time and the Ohlins open house only added to it. Photos at the open house:

**Brick** · 05-14-2012

Yea, that was a great time... I loved seeing the Jeep on the shake table. Very cool indeed. Also got to see Jamie James again... he had some really cool bikes there that he has made. Rick and Joyce of Cogent Dynamics were there too with there easy-up display very good to see them too.
The Erick Buell Racing 1190 bike was there too... Yikkies!!
Motus too was present with two bikes... very cool indeed.
Truimph brought a couple of the new Adventure 1200cc bikes but no demo rides... darn.
Meyers Triumph/Ducati etc had a nice set up... that Jeep with the tent top was very cool too.
Glad I rode over there... it was fun.
Thanks for having this open house and inviting us!

Hmmm... I too have not received a call telling me that I won the shock??... I'm... (are you ready) SHOCKED!! :rolleyes: